Class: 2012 / Rivals.com ranking: No. 26 / MVP: LB Will Smith (three stars) / Gem: LB Micah Awe (pictured, three stars) / Review: Texas Tech’s 2012 class met its immediate needs. The Red Raiders desperately needed LBs in addition to help at CB and along the DL. Tommy Tuberville got the job done with a stronger than usual defensive class. Smith, a JUCO linebacker, became Tech’s starting MLB simply because he was the best linebacker on the team. He’ll be back to anchor a defense that will base itself out of the 3-4 scheme. Awe, a true freshman, became a monster on special teams and at OLB. / Current grade: B+

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